With a real threat of conflict from a growing number of hostile states, Europe is shifting from a post- to pre-war era for the first time since the end of World War Two. Governments are preparing, but the wealthy are ahead of the game with enquiries to The Panic Room Company at an all-time high – including from Spain’s most affluent.
“When we launched in 2010, we were the first British company to design, manufacture and install bespoke panic or safe rooms”, explains Paul Weldon, Managing Director of The Panic Room Company. “Back then it was a very niche market – the occasional celebrity or entrepreneur looking for a safe space to retreat to in the event of armed robbery or attempted kidnap – little did we know how sought-after our services would become.
“As the years have passed, and the world has become increasingly volatile, our product range has naturally adapted to befit this unpredictable era. We now have a global client base reaching out to us for not only the panic rooms, but also ballistic-resistant windows and doors and, more recently, nuclear shelters. The level of demand has taken even us by surprise.”
Due to their price point – minimum 100,000 pounds (approx. 120,000 euros) for an above-ground panic room and in excess of 500,000 pounds (approx. 590,000 euros) for an underground nuclear shelter with breathable air, drinkable water, a power supply, hygiene solutions, and space to store stocks of food – these safe spaces are the preserve of the super-rich. But the truth is neither they, nor the average person, can currently rely on their government for protection in the event of nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) attack.
“With the exception of geared-up nations such as Switzerland, most countries are woefully ill-prepared to safeguard their citizens for this improbable, but possible, eventuality,” says Paul. “The responsibility, therefore, lies with the individual. This is also a brief that traditional builders and constructors cannot fulfil. It’s taken us more than a decade to scour the market for air filtration, sealing, and blast protection experts, and to build partnerships with manufacturers of rigorously tested and internationally certified windows and doors that can withstand everything from bullets to ramraids and heavy-duty hammers to projectiles. Our goal is to create peace of mind for our clients, their loved ones, and their valued possessions, and the last thing we will do is cut corners.”
Working alongside private individuals, interior designers and architects, The Panic Room Company tailor-makes solutions to suit surroundings and needs. From unobtrusive fortified walk-in closets to designated below-ground NBC-ready bunkers, and from colour-matched bullet-resistant doors to aesthetically-pleasing ballistic windows – The Panic Room has a contingency plan for every circumstance.
Contact The Panic Room Company on +44 1709 730260 or email info@thepanicroomcompany.com